Michigan Football Memories

Rating:
Summary: For Michigan fans young and old - a program with tradition
Review: For the hundreds of thousands (millions?) of us who love Michigan Football, this DVD is a wonderful treat. Those who know something about the history and tradition of the program will delight in the way the story is recounted here and the way past and present players and coaches share what they experienced. Their devotion to tradition and to the success of the program is second only the way Michigan has focused on the development of the players as students and men.

For young people who have not learned the tradition of the Michigan program, this is a great way to educate them and involve in a richer way than just watching a football game, as fun as that is.

The hole that Yost dug, Crisler built, and Bo filled is a wonderful place to see games (except for the ever shrinking student section). Though the turf has changed several times, it is still ground with many memories and shadows of greatness. I remember stepping on that field when it was Astroturf during a band day and as a Boy Scout usher. I was shocked at how hard it was and have always been amazed that these players were willing to lay themselves out on that awful surface. When you had binoculars, you could see the awful rug burns. Some even bled. I am glad that they have better turf now.

The disk also has some extras with vintage film of Tom Harmon in 1940 against Ohio State (as stunning a performance that has ever been played in college ball), the Mad Magicians win over USC in the 1948 Rose Bowl (you won't believe the way these guys manipulated the ball), the dedication of Michigan Stadium (I know they call it the Big House now, but to me it will always be Michigan Stadium), and the all important highlights of the 1969 victory over Ohio State and a post game interview with Bo.

There is also a nice tribute to Bob Ufer. He was an announcer with a passion for Michigan football that will never be equaled. As wacky as he seemed to us at the time, we sure missed him when he was taken away from us and miss him to this very day. I was in Michigan Stadium for the Indiana game when Anthony Carter caught the game winning pass from John Wangler (Thank you, Mrs. Wangler for your son!). Ufer's call for that play (which I did not hear until later) is a perfect representation of how every Michigan fan felt that day.

Great disk.




Rating:
Summary: The Best Thing About Michigan Football I Have Ever Seen.
Review: In a word, this film is a keeper. It's a must-own for any Wolverine fan, but it's also a real treat for any fan interested in the rich history of college football. With that said, any self-respecting Michigan fan should have two copies--one for the shelf and one for the safe so you can pass it down to your children.

Let me first get to the obvious. The archival footage is absolutely breathtaking and worth the price of admission by itself. Then there's the litany of recent highlights -- with angles and footage that I've never seen before. Truly great stuff. If you're buying this DVD so you can have a record of all the big-time plays at Michigan, you won't be disappointed. But this movie goes so much deeper than big plays.

The sections on Yost and Crisler -- true visionaries in college athletics -- are nothing short of spectacular. They each have amazing stories and film knows exactly how to tell them. They're as much a history lesson about college football as they are portraits of great coaches. The section on Canham (the man who made the "M" we all treasure so much) and how Saturdays became so much more than just game day is incredibly enlighting. And then we get to Bo. The footage of Schembechler on the field and in the locker room is beyond priceless. If anyone wasn't a fan of this larger-than-life coach, they'll have no choice but to be one after watching this film. The most moving moments may be with famed announcer Bob Ufer. The moving footage of his final game is guaranteed to put a lump in your throat. There are also plenty of new interviews with a host of legends: Bo Schembechler, Jim Brandstatter, Bump Elliot, and Lloyd Carr just to name a few.

I can't give enough praise to the producers; Based on the care and craft they put into every frame, they must be Superfans. However, they're also super-talented. The writing is clever, unexpected and revealing, the structure and pacing are pitch perfect, and the storytelling is magnificent. There's even room left a sequel at the end of this masterpiece. I only hope that U-M does the right thing and brings back the same "Amaizing" team.